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• 11 Tips for Giving a Great Speech

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Chances are you’ll be asked to give speeches or presentations in classes at school. If you get involved in volunteer groups, brief speeches to open events or thank participants are a must. Then there are the speeches at events such as weddings, as well as speeches that you might have to give in the workplace. That amounts to the average person being required to give quite a lot of speeches, even if they don’t get involved in an area such as politics where the ability to give a good speech becomes even more important. You might also have suffered through quite a number of bad speeches from other people – whether that’s at family events where the microphone squeaks the whole way through or a school presentation where the headteacher can’t quite make the jokes work. If you don’t want to inflict the same sort of experience on others, here are our top tips for giving a great speech.

1. Practise your microphone technique

2. Keep it short

Particularly at something like a party or a wedding, no one will be unhappy if your speech runs a little short; it’ll just give them more time to investigate the canapés. If you are giving a speech for a class in school, and it’ll be assessed, you need to prioritise keeping it within the required time limits. But even under these circumstances, if you’ve been tasked – say – with giving a 10-15 minute speech, it’s usually better to come in nearer the 10 than the 15 minute mark. Put simply, even if your speech is terrible, your audience can probably tolerate it for 10 minutes. Much longer, and they’ll be struggling. This shouldn’t limit what you can cover; in the film Up , the whole of Carl and Ellie’s heartbreaking love story is told in under 12 minutes. Do you really need longer to make your points? Achieve brevity by writing out the speech you would give if you had all the time in the world, and then cut anything that seems extraneous or boring.

3. Consider what your audience wants to hear

If you are giving a speech in class because it’s your assignment, what your audience wants to hear is likely to be “the bell ringing for lunch”; you can’t help them there. But under other circumstances, consider what your audience wants to hear and what you want to say, and strive for there to be as much overlap as possible. In the context of a political speech, for instance, what you want to say might be why your party should receive votes; what your audience wants to hear is what your party would do for them, if they won power. Hopefully it should be possible to write a speech that meets both sets of needs, rather than focusing solely on whatever it is that you want to say and leaving your audience disappointed.

4. Pick a theme and stick to it

Here’s a goal for giving a speech: someone sitting near the back, who’s messing around on their phone for at least two-thirds of it and focusing mainly on how long it will be until lunch, should nonetheless be able to give a reasonably accurate answer to the question, “what was it about?” If you’re supposed to be giving a speech in defence of the nuclear deterrent, for example, both the topic and your position on it should be clearly identifiable. This means – to stick with the nuclear deterrent example – not talking for a while about jobs, and then the wider economy, and then the North-South divide, and then Scottish independence, and then Ukraine with a brief digression into South Ossetia before rounding off by squeaking out “and that’s why we should renew Trident!” seconds before you run out of time – no matter how relevant that cornucopia of topics may feel (and they are all relevant, albeit tenuously). It means that even if you do have to take a while to explain a more complex idea, you need to be concise, and bring it back to your theme as quickly as you can.

5. Speak slowly

Most people speak more quickly than they realise when they’re on stage, especially if they’re nervous. But no one will be able to follow your speech if you’re jabbering it out. Thankfully, this one is easy to fix with a little effort and practise. First of all, figure out how quickly you’re actually speaking: do a word count for your speech and then time yourself saying it. A fast speaker will speak at maybe 160 words per minute, a slow speaker at 100 wpm and an average speaker at 130 wpm. For a formal speech, you want to be speaking on the slow side. While this will vary by culture and environment, 120 wpm is a reasonable target to aim for; slow enough that everyone should be able to understand you, and fast enough that you hopefully won’t be sending them to sleep.

6. Tell a couple of jokes

This is a tricky tip because there are lots of pitfalls in the world of telling jokes. For instance, there’s the temptation to include an in-joke that three of your friends will understand and find hilarious, that is utterly baffling to everyone else in the room. Avoid this – if you include any jokes, witty references or anything along those lines, make sure they are accessible to everyone present. All the same, if you can manage a joke or two, it can be a useful way to break up a speech and retain the audience’s interest. A little self-deprecation (not too much!) or the use of classic joke formats such as “the scene was chaotic; it looked as if a bomb had hit and we didn’t know where to start on repairs – but that’s enough about the hen party…” work nicely even if you’re not very confident. Don’t turn it into a stand-up comedy sketch if you’re not a comedian, don’t wait for ages for laughter that’s not showing up, and don’t make jokes at the expense of anyone who you don’t know for sure can take it.

7. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself if you need to

If you follow US or UK politics at all, you’ve probably heard some of these phrases recently: take back control, make America great again, long-term economic plan, son of a bus driver. Three of these have already led the party or people they’re associated with to electoral victory; the fourth remains to be seen. To take the ‘son of a bus driver’ as an example, this refers to Sadiq Khan, now Mayor of London. There can be hardly anyone in London who doesn’t know what their Mayor’s dad did for a living. Meanwhile, many of them probably can’t remember his rival Zac Goldsmith’s name, let alone anything he said during the campaign. The point is that repetition works. In pursuit of point 4, if you want people to remember your key theme, you’re going to have to say it more than once. Don’t assume that everyone will have paid attention to everything you’ve said, unless you’re in a classroom setting where they’ll get told off if they don’t.

8. Only use the visual aids you need

This tip applies to two things: PowerPoints and notes. If you can do without either (and your assignment allows it), then do. Every time you’re glancing over your notes or up at the screen, fiddling with the laptop to get the slide to move on, fighting with a video that isn’t working or struggling to read your own handwriting, is time that you’re not spending engaging with your audience. A well-written, clear speech delivered without notes is always going to be better than someone awkwardly reading aloud the bullet points on their PowerPoint slides. If you must do a presentation – for instance, because there are photos that need to be included – have as little text on it as possible, preferably none. That way, if there are people at the back who can’t really see the screen through the sea of heads in front of them, they’ll still be able to follow what you’re saying.

9. Get a friend to check for awkward mannerisms

Mannerisms that are entirely fine in normal life become awkward and strange when you’re speaking in public. Perhaps you’re inclined to fiddle with your hair or your cuffs, you rock back and forth on the balls of your feet, or you have a habit of reaching your hand to your cheek when you’re talking. No one would notice in everyday conversation, but when you’re on a stage, it’ll become all they’ll see. Some of this is easily avoidable – for instance, if you have long hair that you’re inclined to twirl or otherwise fiddle with, tie it up. For other mannerisms, get the critical friend who helped you sort out your microphone technique to tell you what they are, and do your best to suppress the more annoying ones.

10. Look around the room

Talking about eye contact usually has the effect of making normal eye contact a lot harder, and so does giving a speech. All of a sudden, you’re up on stage, and you have no idea what a normal way to look at a group of people is. Some speakers deal with this by picking a point in the middle distance and speaking to it; others by picking a particular person near to the back and addressing their entire speech at them. This is obviously no fun for that person, who probably spends the whole thing feeling extremely uncomfortable, but it’s not too weird for everyone else. Better still, though, if you can manage it, is to look slowly and steadily around the room, trying to make eye contact with a decent range of people, before returning to the middle distance for a while, rinse and repeat. This needs to be slow and steady, or you give the impression that you’ve just smelled smoke and are casting about for a fire exit before the stampede beings.

11. Don’t be scared of a good reaction

If your speech is genuinely engaging, funny, inspiring or any of the other things you might hope it would be, your audience will react to it. There might be laughter, or applause, or even a bit of cheering depending on the setting. This can be daunting because when you’re practising your speech in front of your bedroom mirror, there’s no way to prepare for it. And it’s where even the best speakers can go wrong, by launching straight into what they were going to say next without waiting for the laughter or applause to stop, or by looking painfully awkward while it’s going on. It’s a pitfall that’s mostly solved by being aware it might happen. If your audience is applauding you or otherwise reacting well, it’s OK to smile, look up, wait for them to stop and then keep going with your speech – it’s as simple as that. You could even throw in a “thank you” before you continue in the knowledge that it’s all going well. Image credits: microphones ; audience ; boy with microphone ; clock ; winding road ; enjoy a joke ; sticky notes ; 

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This workshop is ideal for staff in local government, or large corporations, who are occasionally asked to write speeches for their executive officers, elected Members, or senior colleagues.

Whether delivered online, or in public, speeches have the power to transform how others behave. Perhaps the aim is to win votes, press for cultural change, or build sales?   Whatever the objective, the speech remains one of the most powerful forms of communication.   However, professional full-time speechwriters are a rare commodity in most organisations.

So the speechwriting task is delegated, and the time to plan and draft the text can be limited by the many other jobs on the writer’s desk. The resulting speech might be adequate, but an opportunity for impact may be lost.

Drawing on centuries-old speaking techniques beloved of orators from Aristotle to Shakespeare, Churchill to Obama, this workshop transforms the way speeches are planned, pruned and polished.

  How attendees will benefit.

Whether you relish the opportunity, or reluctantly pick up the brief, this workshop will transform your approach to speechwriting.

·          You will be clearer about your role, your relationship with the speaker and how to get started;

·          You will have planning tools to guide you through the drafting process;

·          You will learn how to transform a good speech into a great speech;

·          You will learn with colleagues; listening to their feedback and giving them the benefit of your ideas;

Who should attend

Speechwriters can be found in multiple departments and sections of larger organisations. If you have staff in the following roles, they may well be asked to write a speech:

·          Local Authority Executive support officers;

·          Mayor and Cabinet Office support;

·          Council political advisers;

·          Local government press officers;

·          Corporate press officers;

·          Personal Assistant to Board and CEO;

Put out an internal memo, and invite these colleagues to apply for a place on the PRCA workshop.

The maximum number for this workshop is 12.

What attendees learn. They will be able to:

·          Assist colleagues with speech planning well ahead of the event;

·          Organise material under a single clear, memorable and compelling message.

·          Create content to connect with the audience in an informal, engaging and persuasive manner using story-telling, facts and emotion.

·          Employ the best stage-craft techniques and rhetorical devices to ensure the desired outcome.

The workshop is currently delivered online in two parts, with a gap of two weeks between sessions.

Delegates will learn the theory of speechwriting in Session One, then work in pairs to draft and deliver a speech on a topic of their choice in Session Two.

Session One (2.5 hours) covers:

·          The skills required to make effective speechwriters

·          Establishing the purpose of the speech

·          Where to find inspiration for the content.

·          Choosing the best structure for the speech.

·          How to get attention and keep it. An introduction to classic rhetorical devices.

·          Working with the speaker to draft, edit and polish the speech.

Session Two (3 hours) is a chance to hear speeches drafted by the delegates, to give feedback and suggest improvements. Peer-to-peer reflection is a crucial part of this session.

What material attendees will receive

The PRCA trainer Louise Third will work with the commissioning manager to design the workshop according to needs. Delegates receive joining instructions, including a reading list for anyone interested in reading around the topic beforehand.

The Workbook (a Word Doc.) is emailed just before Session One; this is a comprehensive tool in which delegates can take notes. It is packed with tips, reminders, and suggestions for further reading. All the slides are available afterwards via the commissioning manager.

Louise recommends that the draft speeches are collated into a single file for future internal use and reference.

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If you would like more information on PRCA's courses and qualifications, please contact the Training team  on  020 7233 6026 or [email protected] .

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• Writing Tips

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

• 5-minute read
• 13th January 2023

Some find writing a persuasive speech to be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to share your position on a topic you care about and to invite listeners to support (or at least appreciate) your way of thinking. You’ll benefit from a clear position, credible evidence, and careful consideration of your audience.

Your first step is to pick a topic. Whether you’re a teacher creating an assignment or a student deciding what to speak about, our list of 50 suggested persuasive speech topics and tips are a good starting place.

Choosing a Topic

●  It’s more enjoyable to research and write a speech about a topic that genuinely holds your interest. It’ll make for better delivery, too. Passion is contagious! On the other hand, boredom and a lack of enthusiasm come through easily in vocal tone.

●  Avoid tired, overdone issues. If you’ve heard it all before, there’s a good chance your audience has, too. Pick something current and relevant to your listeners . If you go with a popular topic, try to approach it from a fresh angle.

●  Issues that contain multiple viewpoints are preferable to simplistic good/bad debates. Most reasonable people would agree that “bullying is bad.” But they might learn something new if you share recent research on bullying and offer different approaches to tackling it.

Let’s look at some interesting speech topics, categorized by subject.

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

Is there a link between device usage and decreased mental health?

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

Should Election Day in the US change from Tuesday to the weekend?

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

Should the legal age to own an assault rifle be raised?

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

Should the US invest in high-speed rail similar to those in Japan and Europe?

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

Is the two-party political system of the US failing?

Should the US adopt a single-payer universal health care system?

Should minimum wage be a factor in the cost of health care?

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Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

Should employers offer incentives and bonuses to employees who bike or walk to work?

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

Do college entrance exams privilege those with higher socio-economic status?

Should teachers be allowed to keep firearms in their classrooms as protection against active shooters?

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

On balance, does religion create more conflict or foster peace?

Should there be exceptions to the freedom to practice any religion?

If you choose to write about religion, be sure to check out our article about the capitalisation of religious terms!

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

People often think persuasion means getting others to agree with you, but persuasion is more nuanced than that. You might persuade someone to go beyond sympathy and act. You might highlight the gray areas of a typically black and white debate.

When total agreement is out of reach, you can settle for agreement in part. Consider your audience thoughtfully when you decide on your goals and remember that you have options.

Step Up with Confidence

We hope these suggested persuasive speech topics have the wheels of your mind turning. Whether it’s for a speech or an argumentative essay , getting your ideas on paper and editing them is a necessary part of the process. Our editors are here to help you confidently put out your best work. Submit a free sample today .

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How to Write a Speech GCSE – Score 9 in English GCSE Exam

Ever pondered ‘How do I start my GCSE English speech?’ or ‘What should I write my GCSE speech on?’ Crafting a compelling speech can be daunting, especially when it’s for your GCSE English exam. This guide will help you navigate the nuances of the GCSE English speaking and listening topic ideas and master the art of speech writing.

What is the GCSE Speech Exam?

The Speech GCSE includes an assessment of students’ spoken language abilities. This assessment is an integral part of the English GCSE exam , where you are required to demonstrate your speaking and listening skills. Most students typically choose from a range of GCSE spoken language topic ideas and present a speech, followed by a discussion with the examiner. This assessment not only evaluates your knowledge of the topic but also the ability to structure your thoughts, use persuasive techniques , and engage the audience.

What’s the Good Starting Point for GCSE Speech?

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to structuring your speech, understanding the basic speech layout can provide a solid starting point. Typically, you’ll want to start with an engaging introduction, followed by 2-3 key points that support your topic, and a compelling conclusion to wrap things up.

How to Choose the Right Topic For GCSE Speech? 

Before you even begin writing a speech, it’s crucial to have a well-defined topic. Your topic sets the tone for your entire speech, so it has to be something you are passionate about and can speak on with authority. Moreover, a well-chosen topic significantly impacts what makes a good speech.

While your GCSE English speaking topic should ideally be interesting to your audience, it should also resonate with your own interests and strengths. This is the time to brainstorm English GCSE speaking ideas . The right topic can not only engage your audience but also allow you to showcase your oratory skills effectively.

Knowing Your Audience

If there’s one factor that can make or break your speech, it’s the audience. Knowing who you’re speaking to allows you to tailor your language, tone, and content to resonate with them effectively. Ask yourself the following questions:

The better you understand these aspects, the easier it will be to connect and make a meaningful impact, thus further defining what makes a good speech.

Ideas for Speaking and Listening GCSE English

Choosing a topic that resonates with your audience is key. Given the requirements for GCSE speaking exam topics, you may want to consider issues like climate change, social media’s impact on mental health, or the importance of voting. These subjects are not only engaging but also provide ample scope for discussion and argument.

Here are some English Speaking Exam Topic Ideas to Consider:

• Climate Change and Its Global Impact
• Social Media and Mental Health
• The Importance of Voting
• Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
• The Future of Work in a Post-Pandemic World
• The Role of Education in Shaping Character
• Sustainable Living and Consumer Choices

To sum up, here are some tips to consider:

Choose a topic that excites you; your enthusiasm will be contagious.

Make sure the topic is relevant to your audience.

Opt for subjects that are neither too broad nor too narrow.

The Structure of a Good GCSE Speech

A successful speech is more than just a string of words; it’s a well-thought-out sequence designed to captivate your audience. Here, we’ll delve into the speech structure and discuss how to structure a speech for maximum impact. A typical speech will consist of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: Capture attention and state your main point.

Body: Build your argument or narrative with supporting evidence.

Conclusion: Summarise the key points and finish with a strong statement or call to action.

How do I start my GCSE English speech?

You have but a few precious moments to seize your audience’s attention. The way you start a speech can dictate whether your audience tunes in or zones out. The opening sets the tone and context for everything that follows, making it an integral part of how to open a speech effectively.

Dos and Don’ts of Starting Your GCSE Speech

• Open with a Provocative Question: Pose a question that challenges common beliefs or perceptions. For instance, “What if I told you that everything you knew about climate change was wrong?”
• Share a Personal Story: Relate an anecdote or personal experience that ties into your main topic. “Three years ago, I stood at the edge of a shrinking glacier, and that moment changed my perspective forever.”
• Use a Relevant Quote: Start with a powerful quote from a renowned figure that encapsulates the essence of your speech. “As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.'”
• Present a Shocking Statistic: Share a surprising fact or figure that grabs attention immediately. “Did you know that every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans?”
• Paint a Vivid Picture: Use descriptive language to create a vivid scene or imagery in the minds of your audience. “Imagine a world where forests no longer exist, where silence replaces the chirping of birds.”
• With an Apology: Avoid starting with phrases like “Sorry for…” or “I’m not an expert, but…”. It undermines your credibility from the get-go.
• Using Clichés: Starting with overused phrases like “Webster’s dictionary defines…” can come off as uninspired.
• Being Too Broad or Vague: Avoid generic openings like “Today, I want to talk about life.” It doesn’t give the audience a clear sense of direction.
• Overloading with Information: Avoid bombarding your audience with too many stats or facts right at the start. It can be overwhelming.
• Being Negative or Confrontational: Starting with a confrontational tone, such as “Most of you probably won’t agree with me…” can put the audience on the defensive.

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Types of Speech Starters

So, what makes an opening memorable? There are numerous speech starters that can serve as a strong foundation for your talk. Here are a few tried and true methods:

Start with a provocative question to engage your audience’s curiosity.

Use a relevant quote that encapsulates your message.

Kick off with a shocking fact or statistic that supports your argument.

for instance

• Start with a Provocative Question: Engage your audience’s curiosity right from the outset. For instance, “What if I told you that by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish?”
• Use a Relevant Quote: Begin with a powerful quotation that encapsulates the essence of your message. Consider using, “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'”
• Kick off with a Shocking Fact or Statistic: Share a surprising piece of information that supports your argument and grabs immediate attention. For example, “Recent studies reveal that an alarming 70% of young adults experience social media-induced anxiety.

Tailoring the Opening to GCSE Criteria

For students particularly interested in GCSE speaking exam topics, it’s crucial to note that examiners look for a range of specific elements in your opening. These can include clarity of expression, engagement with the audience, and a clear outline of what the speech will cover.

How to Structure My GCSE Speech?

A well-structured speech isn’t just a nicety—it’s a necessity. Especially when it comes to GCSE English, having a well-organised flow of ideas is pivotal to engaging your audience and making your points hit home. The way you structure your speech impacts not just its effectiveness but also how smoothly you can deliver it . When we talk about structure in the English language, we’re referring to the arrangement of your introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as the logical progression of your arguments.

Common Structural Techniques in GCSE English

There are several structural techniques in GCSE English that can amplify your speech’s effectiveness. For example:

• Repetition :Reinforcing key points by repeating them helps to keep your audience engaged.
• Tripling : Enumerating three related points or arguments can make your speech more memorable.
• Rhetorical questions : These engage the audience and provoke thought, without requiring an answer.
• These are some of the tried-and-true structural techniques GCSE students can employ to enhance their presentations.

How Structure and Language Interact?

The marriage between language and structure is a match made in rhetorical heaven. Your language choices should serve your structural design and vice versa. For example, if you’re using tripling, you’ll need to select words or phrases that have a similar tone or rhythm to create a sense of unity. By having your English language structure techniques complement your chosen words, you’re setting the stage for a cohesive and engaging presentation.

Implementing Structural Techniques for GCSE Criteria

How do these techniques match up with GCSE criteria? To excel in GCSE English , you’ll need to demonstrate an adept use of a range of structural devices. Whether it’s crafting a compelling introduction or providing a powerful conclusion, these structural elements are integral in showcasing your understanding of the English language structure techniques required for this level of examination.

Why Language Matters in GCSE English?

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.” Well, when it comes to your GCSE English speech, both matter immensely. Your choice of words and how you string them together can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. Employing the right GCSE English language techniques is paramount in this regard.

The Essentials of Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are the tools of the trade when it comes to effective speech writing. These include metaphors, similes, and alliteration, among others. Familiarising yourself with these techniques in the English language will enable you to elevate the quality of your speech. By doing so, you’re more likely to meet and perhaps even exceed GCSE language techniques expectations.

Crafting Sentences for Maximum Impact

The structure of your sentences can significantly influence the power of your speech. Consider varying sentence length to maintain interest, employing short, impactful sentences for key points and longer, more complex ones for detailed explanations. These are among the essential English language techniques for GCSE that you’ll want to master.

Practical Examples of Effective Structure

To solidify your understanding, consider these real-world examples:

Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is an excellent study in effective repetition and emotive language.

Winston Churchill’s ‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches’ uses tripling to emphasise Britain’s determination during WWII.

Both examples can be adapted to meet GCSE standards, offering invaluable lessons in how to effectively employ structural techniques.

How to End My GCSE Speech?

Every great GCSE speech deserves a powerful finish. Your conclusion is the final impression you’ll leave on your audience and the examiner, so it’s vital to get it right. Whether you’re discussing GCSE spoken language topic ideas or any other English GCSE speaking exam topics, your conclusion should encapsulate your main points and leave a lasting impression. Here’s how:

Reiterate Key Points

Quickly recap the main arguments or insights from your speech’s body. This helps solidify your message and reminds the audience of your core GCSE English speaking and listening topic ideas.

End with a Bang

A thought-provoking statement, a call-to-action, or a powerful quote can provide that final punch. Wondering how to end a speech in a way that lingers? Think of a statement that encapsulates your entire speech’s essence.

Here are examples:

• Thought-Provoking Statement: “In a world driven by screens, it’s our humanity that keeps us connected.”
• Call-to-Action: “Let’s pledge to unplug for an hour each day and reconnect with the world around us.”
• Powerful Quote: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.”

Relate to the Bigger Picture

Connect your GCSE speech ideas to broader themes or global issues. If you discussed technology’s impact on mental health , perhaps conclude with its overarching role in modern society.

Engage and Involve

Pose a final question or challenge to your audience. It could be related to English spoken language topics or any other theme you’ve explored. By involving your audience, you ensure they remain engaged even after you’ve finished speaking.

Use Language Techniques

Integrate GCSE language techniques and English language techniques GCSE standards advocate for. A sprinkle of speech techniques, perhaps a rhetorical question or a vivid imagery, can elevate your conclusion.

Understanding language techniques is more than memorising definitions, it’s about seeing the powerful role they play in shaping narratives and evoking responses. From the dramatic irony of Shakespeare to the poignant metaphors in modern poetry, these tools are the backbone of effective communication in literature.

Explore Our Comprehensive Guide

In this introductory overview, we cover a range of language techniques that every student should be familiar with:

• Metaphor – Dive deeper into the art of implicit comparison and discover how language techniques colour narratives.
• Alliteration and Assonance – Feel the rhythm and flow these sound devices inject into poetry and prose, showcasing effective language techniques .
• Personification – Bring inanimate objects to life with our insights into personification, a classic example of engaging language techniques .

For those interested in a detailed breakdown of each technique, including examples from classical and contemporary works, check out our full guide on language techniques . Here, you’ll find expert analysis, detailed examples, and thoughtful commentary that will prepare you for your exams and beyond.

Call-to-Action

Whether it’s a plea for change, a challenge, or a simple request for reflection, ending with a clear call-to-action gives your audience a direction post your speech.

Tip: Remember, while it’s essential to know how to write a good speech, it’s equally crucial to know how to wrap it up effectively. Your conclusion should resonate with the speech structure and content, ensuring a cohesive and memorable presentation.

In essence, your conclusion is not just a summary; it’s your final chance to make an impact, to inspire, and to be remembered. Craft it with care, and your GCSE English speech will undoubtedly stand out.

GCSE English Past Papers

Navigating the road to GCSE English excellence requires not just hard work but also smart strategies. One of the most effective methods for ensuring you’re well-prepared for exam day is the use of past papers . This blog post delves into why past papers are an indispensable resource for both students and teachers.

Past papers offer a wealth of benefits, from familiarizing you with the exam format and question styles to improving your time management skills during the test. Gain insight into the types of questions that frequently appear, understand the marking scheme better..

Whether tackling AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or Eduqas exam boards, we’ve compiled every available past paper to give you a comprehensive practice tool. Practising with these papers not only boosts confidence but also sharpens English language skills, setting on a path to achieving top marks.

Ready to Ace Your GCSE Speech?

The GCSE is a pivotal milestone in one’s academic journey. Excelling in your GCSE English speech can significantly boost your overall grade, making it essential to get it right. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, personal guidance can make all the difference.

Preparing for your GCSE revision can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Edumentors, the expert tutors have not only aced their GCSEs but also possess the insights to guide you towards success. Once anxious about her speech, she achieved top marks and is now furthering her studies at University of St. Andrews. Why not explore her journey? Schedule a complimentary introductory session with her today and discover the perfect mentorship match for your GCSE journey.

The standout feature of Edumentors? Their tutors hail from the UK’s top universities, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and best practices to the table. They understand the nuances of the GCSE, the expectations of examiners, and the techniques that can set your speech apart.

So, why navigate this journey alone when you can have an expert by your side? Whether it’s mastering the art of speech writing or preparing for other aspects of the GCSE exams, Edumentors is your gateway to excellence.

Take the leap. Reach out to Edumentors and ensure your GCSE speech isn’t just good, but exceptional.

Make a GCSE Speech Finally, the moment has come for making a speech . This is where all your hard work pays off. Keep in mind all the elements we’ve discussed—from structure to language techniques. Try to maintain eye contact with your audience, employ strategic pauses for effect, and remember to breathe. A well-prepared speech, delivered with confidence, can make all the difference in your grades and in how you are perceived.

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• Best Man Speech
• Groom’s Speech
• Father of the Bride
• Maid of Honour
• After-Dinner
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Best Man Speech Writing Services

I create heartfelt and humorous best man speeches that celebrate your friend’s big day with style and charm.

I am a highly experienced best man speech writer who can help you nail your best man speech. With my background as a BBC comedy writer, I can ensure your wedding speech is full of brilliant, original gags.

I am also a published author whose comedy books have been featured in national UK papers. I have the know-how to write you an original speech with great structure, flow and jokes.

So, whether you need a bespoke speech or want your current draft taken to the next level, I offer the speech writing service to do this.

My clients agree. This best man speech writing service is rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot.

So, with my 10 years + as a wedding speech writer, read on to see how I help you deliver a knock-out best man speech.

Writing A Best Man Speech With Me

1. get booked in.

Call or email me to arrange a no-obligation chat about how I can help with your best man speech.

2. Purchase a best man speech package

I offer bespoke speech writing service , a best man speech editing package , and a s uper urgent Last-minute best man speech service to deliver you a top-quality tailored speech within 48 hours.

3. Fill out an All Write On The Night Questionnaire

Give me the juicy details on the groom and leave the speech writing to me. Short on stories? Check out my best speech man ideas blog to uncover those gems.

4. Follow-up

I’ll always follow up if I need more info to deliver the brief. And once I’ve written your speech, I offer unlimited edits. Double peace of mind.

5. Leave it to me

I brainstorm the material and structure the speech. I then re-draft it until it’s ready to be sent by the agreed deadline.

6. Deliver the best man speech

I email your brilliantly funny best man speech to you, and you can’t wait to deliver it. Need inspiration? Check out my best man speech tips blog or best man speech gags and icebreakers package .

Products and Services

Best Man speech

• A unique Best Man speech written from scratch. You complete my quick questionnaire and I write you a brilliantly funny speech.

Speech editing

• I take your speech to the next level with bespoke jokes, ice-breakers or tear-jerkers. I polish your speech until you're perfectly happy.

Last-minute Best Man

• An original speech written for you within 48 hours of you completing my Best Man questionnaire. The ultimate stress-busting service.

Still Stuck? Here Are Some Tips For Giving A Best Man Speech

• If in doubt, leave it out - even if there’s only a small chance a line might offend don’t risk it. Looking for ways to make your best man wedding speech funny? Check out our blog on best man jokes that are sure to keep guests laughing.
• Keep it simple – stories in roughly chronological order works a treat. For a quick guide, take a look at this best man speech structure post.
• Mix it up – always include praise about the groom such as his talents and good qualities. This can be nearer the end or woven throughout and undercut for comic effect.
• Cut to the chase – don’t make the sentences over-long; don’t signpost every joke. Want your speech to be match fit? See my blog from flabby to funny best man speech .
• Read your speech out loud – on the page is a good gauge but vocality is reality. Do you run out of breath before finishing a line? Does a line seem to sing or die as it leaves your lips?

For how best to deliver your wedding speech, check out some of our blogs below!

Best Man Speech Jokes – From Flabby To Funny

The ultimate best man speech checklist: the a-z’s, stand and deliver: how to deliver a good speech, if you'd like some help from me, i have a five-star rated range of writing services..

"Marc wrote me a top notch speech that I couldn’t fault. Absolutely class job."

Five-star review on Trustpilot, October 23

"Absolutely excellent writing... clearly is world class at this stuff from my experience. Would definitely do it again!"

Five-star review on Trustpilot, August 23

"Marc really has an extraordinary skill! I can't recommend this service enough."

Five-star review on Trustpilot, August 2023

"Marc's amendments and additions to my Best Man's speech were brilliant."

Five-star review on Trustpilot, June 2023

"The speech was excellent. I couldn't be happier. Thank you so much, Marc!"

Five-star review on Trustpilot, March 2023

So What Are You Waiting For? Let’s Get Started On Your Best Man Speech!

If you have a speech already written, send it to me for a FREE no-obligation assessment as to how I could add some stardust.

So why not get in contact for a chat on how All Write On The Night can create a unique best man speech for you?

Feel you might need some help with your speech? Why not get in touch now for a quick chat?

Best man speeches faqs.

How Long Should A Best Man Speech Be?

If you’re not sure, aim for about 8 minutes. If you have very little material or don’t like public speaking, try not to go under 5 minutes.

If you think: “I have LOADS of stories.” That’s great. This means you can select the best ones. Make your best man speech a Greatest Hits not The Collected Works.

“I’ve heard not to go over 10 minutes.” This is generally true but if you’ve known each other a long time and have fine-tuned the stories, it can sometimes go over this length.

What Should I Avoid When Giving A Wedding Speech?

• Previous sexual partners – no matter how noteworthy or funny, it’s a big “no” here. You could lose the room in an instant.
• Stag do stories – if you can’t imagine telling your mum over Sunday lunch, don’t let it pass your lips.
• Swearing – it’s not a magic way to make things funnier; only use if the joke demands it.
• Me, me, me – although it’s your big day, don’t spend half the speech talking about how and why you were chosen as best Man.
• Thanks but no thanks – there’s no need to thank the guests, the venue, the bridesmaids, etc. This will be covered by previous speakers.

What Are Some Best Man Speech Ideas?

The best type of best man jokes are tailored to the groom. But not everyone is a gag writer so here are some adaptable wedding speech jokes .

A best man structure that works well is the Best Man CV . Each section represents a personal quality that makes him a great candidate to be the bride’s husband.

Best man speech ice breakers are the Holy Grail, so it’s not a crime to use an old favourite. After all, they work. However, it’s worth trying to be original using tips on best man speech openers .

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• Society and culture

Culture Secretary speech at GREAT Futures

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer delivers keynote speech at the GREAT Futures event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Good morning everyone and thank you for that kind introduction, Louise.

It’s a pleasure to be here and to be part of this brilliant day.

I must start by thanking the patron for GREAT, His Excellency Majed AlQassabi, and all of the teams behind this excellently crafted event.

Yours is a Kingdom that is on the move and we, as a Government and as a country, want to move with you.

We recognise that few places on earth have changed more in the past decade.

Our two countries have always found common ground in spheres such as international development and security cooperation, but it is clear today - in 2024 - that there are huge new opportunities available to us both.

Days like this really underscore the immense cultural and creative ambitions of the Kingdom in its Vision 2030. 

That Vision is bold, it is ambitious and I am here today because I believe Britain can play a role in that story.

Because, like Saudi Arabia, we too are unapologetically ambitious in capitalising on our strengths to grow our economy and improve lives for people in Britain and around the world.

But before I speak to the huge opportunities for collaboration, I want to touch on the exceptional job the Kingdom has done over the past decade of growing and expanding the Saudi Creative Industries.

For years, other Arab capitals - like Cairo, Beirut, Damascus and Baghdad - stood out as the Arab cultural beacons where blockbuster movies were made, chart-topping songs were recorded and books that got intellectuals talking hit the shelves.

But today, in 2024, Riyadh has started to seize that mantle and the Kingdom is now at the forefront of shaping the region’s culture.

Yours is a country of 29 million people, two thirds of which are under 30, and it is clear you recognise the immense power that culture, sport and tourism have to drive up people’s quality of life at home, and to bolster soft power abroad.

The Ministry for Tourism, Ministry for Culture and Ministry for Sport, as well as the General Entertainment Authority, have combined to broaden and diversify your cultural offering.

To draw in some of the biggest names in sports like boxing, golf and football to play in your leagues and entertain millions, to expand and grow your sectors from film and TV to tourism, design and music, and to create countless new opportunities with events from Riyadh Design Week and Riyadh Soundstorm to Comic Book Festivals and the Red Sea International Film Festival.

And I know the level of ambition is sky high, backing 100 new films, commissioning 26 new museums, increasing the contribution of the Creative Industries GDP to 3%, generating $20 billion in revenue and creating over 100,000 jobs - and all by 2030.

We are already seeing the transformation in regions like AlUla - an area synonymous with heritage, as the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And a place awash with sand dunes, desert oases and ancient ruins that date as far back as the Neolithic period of the Stone Age - become centrepieces of your tourism and creative industries, with major investments to build state-of-the-art film, music and recording facilities.

And those investments are already paying off, with the big Gerard Butler film Kandahar becoming the first big budget US production to be shot solely in Saudi Arabia, and mainly in AlUla.

That film is a sign of what is to come. The starting gun for what is certain to be a huge number of films and TV shot, directed, produced and edited in Saudi Arabia in the coming years.

And this is all part of why I believe the Creative Industries are among the most exciting potential areas for further and deeper collaboration between our two great countries.

As UK Culture Secretary, Sport, Media and Tourism Secretary, I could not be prouder of our vibrant Creative Industries.

As far back as Shakespeare, culture has always been one of the defining parts of the British national character.

But today our great authors, our great playwrights, our great musicians and designers are not just enriching lives, they are driving our economy.

To put things into perspective, the GVA of our Creative Industries was £124.6bn in 2022 alone.

These Industries account for 2.4 million jobs in Britain and they grew faster than our whole economy between 2021 and 2022.

And obviously much of the credit for that phenomenal growth belongs to the extraordinary talent we have at our disposal.

But it is also the case that we, as a Government, have consistently recognised the power of these industries and sought to maximise its true potential, at every turn.

Tax reliefs.

Incentives to invest.

Support through the pandemic.

Support to bounce back from the pandemic.

And most recently a dedicated blueprint - our Creative Industries Vision - designed to realise the untapped potential of sectors like video games, VFX and grassroots music.

We have successfully created an environment where competition and talent is thriving.

And that’s why, from music and design to TV and film, we are now home to some of the most dynamic creative businesses in the world.

Today in 2024 companies are choosing to come and invest in our clusters of excellence, like video games in Leamington Spa, TV in Leeds and Birmingham, VFX in London.

And big studios want to establish and grow their footprint in the UK, with Disney, Netflix, Amazon and Apple making landmark investments into studios like Pinewood in Hertfordshire and Shinfield in Berkshire.

To put things in perspective, analysis by The Times last year showed within two years there will be more studio facilities and square footage of studio space in the UK than the whole of Los Angeles.

And a major factor in why companies are making those inward investments, is because they recognise the expertise and the skills we now have at our disposal, across the creative ecosystem.

Underneath the big name productions like Bond and Barbie, or the superstar musicians like Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa, we have production teams who know how to scale up, to deliver first class productions and events and to take cottage industries and turn them into world-beaters.

To my mind, few countries are better placed than Britain to help support the Kingdom as you look to transform your economy. 

Building out and developing your Creative Industries, cementing your status as a major player in sports and expanding your reputation as a tourist destination.

And I know that these kinds of collaborations are already off the ground in some areas, like Esports - with British Esports and the Saudi Esports Federation committing last year to greater cooperation on education and cultural exchange.

And are seeing the beginnings of cultural and creative exchange, with the world renowned British composer and impresario, Andrew Lloyd Webber, recently taking Phantom of the Opera in Riyadh.

And a fortnight ago the British Council deepened its relationship with the Saudi Cinema Association at the 10th edition of the Saudi Festival - with the British Council showcasing a curated selection of UK short films and using the festival to give a platform for filmmakers to engage with Saudi Arabia audiences and forge meaningful connections.

And we have seen new connections between our museums, with the Science Museum Group and the Saudi Ministry of Culture Executive Programme having signed an agreement on a Museums Hub.

And with SOAS University launching a Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies, sponsored by the Museums Commission, and jointly awarded by SOAS and Effat University.

And most significantly of all, in tourism.

In 2022, the UK welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the Kingdom and Visit Britain’s latest forecast predicts 240,000 visits from Saudi Arabia this year.

And this is another area where you are investing in the fundamentals - building up the tourism infrastructure needed to make Saudi Arabia a magnet for visitors. Doing what is needed to increase the number of annual travellers to the Kingdom from 14 million to 60 million in the next five years.

This is an area where Britain has deep expertise, for example, in vocational training, and I know that members of our delegation will be well placed to speak to this during some of the planned sessions.

Yours is a Kingdom with a huge amount of heritage and I have no doubt that countless people will look to take the chance to come and see and experience that heritage.

To support you in that journey, I can confirm that Historic England and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture are  actively exploring a new partnership to cooperate in the field of cultural heritage.

This exciting new programme of cooperation will bring benefits to both of our countries and could involve some of our leading heritage experts sharing knowledge and skills to support the preservation of cultural landmarks in the Kingdom.

All of this is why events and programmes like Futures are so important.

Bringing together Government and businesses with a common goal - to find new areas for partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities to grow our relationship.

As Government Ministers and as senior leaders of industries, it is in our gift to welcome in a new era of investment, partnership and growth between our two countries.

I want to finish by paying tribute to our hosts Saudi Arabia who are among our oldest friends in this region.

We admire your young and vibrant people. We value your spirit of enterprise and ambition.

So I’d like to thank you all, once again, for being here and for being part of the Futures programme.

By being part of what we are doing here this week, each of you will be writing your own contribution to a new chapter in British-Saudi relations.

One defined by security and prosperity.

By cooperation and collaboration.

By the exchange of knowledge, ideas and investment.

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• Range of Speeches
• Copywriting
• Testimonials

Please scroll down for examples of articles, TV features and radio shows that have featured Lawrence and the Great Speech Writing team.

September 2022 – Two Interviews in the Metro

Lawrence interviewed on the new prime minister’s first speech as conservative party leader and then, in a second article, on her first prime minster’s questions.  two very different performances..

Monday 5th: Liz Truss lacks ’emotional connection’ and ‘decorative icing’ Boris used in speeches Wednesday 7th: Liz Truss was ‘not afraid of being unpopular’ with controversial PMQ tactic

August 2022 – Feature in The Metro

Link to the article here .  Full text here .

March 2022 – Lawrence interviewed by GB News on Putin’s recent speech. Are we trying to create rational analysis of a man who is becoming increasingly irrational?

29th january 2022 – lawrence interviewed by the spectator podcast about the business and our classified advertising.

Listen to the audio clip of Lawrence being interviewed here.

18th August 2020 – Lawrence interviewed by Times Radio about speeches in lockdown.

4th June 2020 – Lawrence interviewed by BBC Radio about about Winston Churchill’s war speeches.

November 2019 – Great Speech Writing provides expert advice in YourLondonWedding magazine

October 2019 – Great Speech Writing is ‘Business of the Week’ in the Ham & High

Read the article and see how we have helped hundreds of people.

23rd October 2019 – MyLondon interviews Lawrence on his life as a speech writer

See how Lawrence responded here

29th November 2018 – Lawrence featured on Wedding Espresso’s podcast.

Listen to the podcast, watch the video or read the transcript here to discover Lawrence’s top tips on writing and structuring a great wedding speech.

8th November 2018 – Lawrence hosted a webinar with BrightTALK on “How to give a great business presentation, pitch or speech”.

12th october 2018 – lawrence speculated with the daily star on what prince andrew might say in his speech at princess eugenie and jack brooksbank’s wedding..

Read the example speech Lawrence wrote here .

17th May 2018 – Lawrence interviewed by BBC Radio Kent on wedding speeches and the Royal Wedding.

13th may 2018 – lawrence spoke to the daily star about prince william’s best man speech for prince harry and meghan markle’s royal wedding..

Read the full article and take a look at an example speech written by Lawrence here .

7th October 2017 – Lawrence interviewed by BBC Radio on Theresa May’s conference speech (and The West Wing).

Listen to the audio clip here.

July 19 2017 – Tips on how to get those wedding speech tears flowing. ( As featured on Heart, Capital FM and in association with Kleenex)

Kleenex asked us for our tips to get those wedding speech tears flowing and these were featured on Heart and Capital FM.

Read the article on Heart here Read the article on Capital FM here

June 21 2017 – Lawrence interviewed about the Queen’s Speech and weddings (!) live on Talk Radio.

June 2017 – Seb featured in ‘The Wedding Secret’

Seb, our Client Relationship Manager, offers advice to Grooms speaking at their wedding reception.  Here’s a snippet:  “One regular complaint from wedding guests is that came to listen to stories about the bride and groom, not the groom and his best man.  Don’t forget who you are marrying and why you have asked people to come and celebrate.”

Read the full article here

May 21 2016 – Lawrence featured in ‘First Person’ in Financial Times Magazine.

“Speechwriting is like Botox — the better you do it, the less likely your clients are to advertise the fact. People who come to my company for help with a social speech don’t want anyone to know. It’s a cloak-and-dagger world: we can call clients on their mobile but not the landline; they’ll meet in a café, but miles from their house. Discretion is key.”

Read the full article here   (If you are having trouble opening this link contact us and we will send you the full article).

May 2016 – Lawrence interviewed in Catherine Moonan’s ‘The Pitch Coach’

Extract from the chapter: “There are three things that make a speech great.  They are the basis upon which we built the business, Great Speech Writing.  The first is relevance…. Number two is clarity…. Finally the hard part: sprinkling magic onto it, to make it original, different and exciting.”

May 2016 – Man London asks Lawrence about effective communication

March 2016 – Lawrence is the ‘mystery guest’ on BBC Radio!

The Paul Miller Show has a weekly feature where listeners call-in asking questions to help identify the occupation of the mystery guest.  This ‘phone-in’ section of the show is available in Clip 1 (below).  You may be surprised to hear some of the careers Lawrence was linked with!  Clip 2 (further down the page) features a more formal interview focusing on what being a professional speech writer involves.

Clip 1: Callers try to guess what Lawrence does for a living!

Clip 2: Paul Miller interviews Lawrence about his career as a speech writer

March 2016 – The Gay Wedding Guide asked Lawrence about two same sex wedding speeches we have written.

Jan 2016 – An article on hitched.co.uk   guiding brides on how to give the ultimate speech on their wedding day.

Read the full article here

Dec 1 2014 – BBC Radio 5 Live interview with Lawrence on Prince Harry’s fear of public speaking

Oct 2 2014 – BBC Three Counties Radio interview on the party conference speeches

This four minute clip covers David Cameron’s Prime Ministerial style, Ed Miliband’s notes and the enduring importance of the spoken word.

July 24 2014 – Daily Telegraph

June 2014 – Daily Telegraph Feature

Oct 3 2012 – BBC Radio Wales interview on Ed Miliband

Link to 3 minute MP3 clip here

July 9 2012 – BBC Radio interview on Andy Murray

Lawrence live on BBC Radio discussing Andy Murray’s tears and what makes a great speech.  Audio clip here: Lawrence_Bernstein_BBCRadio_Mike_Zeller_Radio_Interview_2012-07-09

Feb 29 2012- BBC Radio 4 and World Service Interviews on the Oscars

Live on BBC World Service during the Oscars discussing the quality (or otherwise) of the acceptance speeches.  In two separate interviews an hour apart.

The first: Lawrence-BBC-World-Service-Oscars-Feb-2011-Part1 The second: Lawrence-BBC-World-Service-Oscars-Feb-2011-Part2

April 29 2011 – SKY news interview on Prince Harry

Interviewed outside Buckingham Palace live on Sky news on Royal Wedding day .  You can see it here, or click on this link for a bigger version on  YouTube  (but trust me, I’m not suited to HD!).

Feb 2011 – BBC Radio interviews on Prince Harry

Interviewed abour Prince Harry’s best man speech on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Merseyside.

July 2009 – BBC online magazine

Quoted in the BBC Online Magazine in this article :

“In a nutshell, a great speech is communication at its most effective, and we all want to communicate effectively in whatever situation we find ourselves in”, says professional speech-writer Lawrence Bernstein.

“The rules and techniques of good communication work on all levels – if you’re on a stage speaking to thousands of people, asking your boss for a pay rise, trying to buy a new house, or teaching a class of 10 year olds.”

May 2009 – New Zealand Herald

Featured on the other side of the world in the New Zealand Herald:

Interviewed by Macleans in Canada (the Canadian equivalent of ‘Time’ magazine in the US). ‘Great Speechwriting’ has been abreviated to ‘Great Speeches’ in the article below!:

January 21 2009 BBC Radio London about Obama

Interviewed on BBC Radio London by Vanessa Feltz about the Obama inauguration speech.

Sept 23 2008 BBC Radio 5 on Gordon Brown

Featured on BBC Radio 5 Breakfast show with a suggested headline clip for Gordon Brown’s speech at the Labour Party Conference.

Sept 2008 with Stephen Fry on BBC Radio 4

Featured on Stephen Fry’s ‘English Delight’ on Radio 4.

Also in 2008

I have also been interviewed about this service on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Essex, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and Radio Kerry in Ireland.

I have also been asked to contribute to a number of magazines. If you found me in the Spectator, Private Eye or the New Statesman, you may not read them all regularly, but here are a few clippings.

August 2008

and, perhaps less visually impressive, the article itself:

Also in 2007

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